Television

Star Gold launches hunt for best of Bollywood stars

15 Apr, 2004 - 04:30 PM IST | By indiantelevision.com Team

MUMBAI: With opinion polls being the flavour of the season, Star Gold is all set to usher its own poll -Pepsi Gold Sabse Favourite Kaun?

But there is a twist here, Star's Hindi movie channel isn't keen on finding which political leader is leading the poll stakes, but instead wants to know which Hindi star sets the hearts of millions racing.

To launch on 23 April at 8 pm, the show seems to be taking a cue from the 101 series, currently airing on AXN.

Touted as the first opinion poll with an international flavour, PGSFK is not an award based on histrionics, but rates the popularity of a star. Interestingly, the channel has woven in interactivity while inviting viewers to vote and select their favourite actors and upcoming artistes; a factor that may be pivotal in building up the channel's popularity.

Voting in this poll is not limited to one character or to one film or to any one year. The audience can vote for any star in Bollywood, irrelevant of whether he or she has had any release in the current year.

To be telecast in seven nominee specials, the show will be anchored by Munnabhai MBBS's Circuit aka Arshad Warsi, who will travel to various cities, talk to film buffs and viewers about their favourite stars, and their ultimate choice. Using Star Plus' winning strategy of building up interest and holding on to the audience base, the episodes will also have interviews, profiles, celebrity updates and the industry's opinion followed by a movie dedicated to a nominated actor.

According to Star India senior vice president Deepak Segal, "The show is a a unique concept that not only brings the stars closer to their fans, but also answers a burning question, within the film industry and amongst viewers in general. The difference between this and a viewer's choice award is that this is not actually a battle between the stars, but between millions of fans of these superstars. Through this show we are also trying to introduce several international elements into the Hindi film industry like Bollywood statistics. All in all, a power-packed show for anyone who loves Bollywood."

The show wants to tell the fans who is currently the most popular star in Bollywood. The channel will invite the audience to vote in five categories:
Sabse Favourite Hero
Sabse Favourite Heroine
Sabse Favourite Comedian
Sabse Favourite Naya Hero
Sabse Favourite Naya Heroine

Talking about the branding option that the show will provide it, Pepsi Foods' executive director (marketing) Shashi Kalathil says, "Pepsi has always brought youth closer to their passions - cricket, music and movies. Pepsi Star Gold Sabse Favourite Kaun? is a unique initiative, which makes our consumers feel a part of the magic world of movies. Through this show, Pepsi in its inimitable way gives viewers an opportunity to choose their favourite movie stars."

While the polling begins from 23 April (first episode), the entry forms will be available in daily newspapers, at select cinema halls or on SMS. In addition, the channel has weaved a contest around the poll, with attractive prizes to be won. Every day, ten lucky winners will get Star merchandise, while one lucky winner, every week, who votes and wins during the episode will be invited to be a part of the final event. The culminating episode, which will be the awards night to be attended by a galaxy of Bollywood and television stars, will have winners walking away with the Pepsi Gold Sabse Favourite trophy.